Attacker has 'cat-like' tattoo

Portsdown Hill, where the second attack occurred

Police are hunting a man with a "cat-like tattoo" on his right hand who is thought to be responsible for two attacks on women in 24 hours.

The victim of the second assault in Portsmouth has given police a description of the man.

The 35-year-old had just returned to her car after a walk on Portsdown Hill when she was grabbed from behind and forced to the ground.

She said the tattoo - possibly a lion with a tail curling round its body - was on the back of the man's right hand.

It was outlined in black with some orange colouring.

It is vital that we find this man as soon as possible

Detective Inspector Martin Shuker

Detective Inspector Martin Shuker said: "We would like to hear from anyone who recognises this description, particularly the very distinctive tattoo.

"It is vital that we find this man as soon as possible."

The woman described her attacker as white, 5ft 8ins tall, of proportional build, with a strong Portsmouth accent.

Detectives are linking the assault on Wednesday evening to a sex attack on a 40-year-old woman the night before.

She was travelling home shortly after midnight on Tuesday when a man jumped into her Ford Escort as she stopped at traffic lights.

The attacker, believed to be in his 20s, forced her to drive through Portsmouth to Portsdown Hill where he sexually assaulted her.

Police are appealing for anyone with information to contact them on 0845 0454545.